Anambra guber polls and future elections

1.  The ward and Local Government Congress of the Peoples Democratic Party that was characterized by confusion, violence, ballot box snatching, writing of fake results, lack of voting materials and general lack of faith in the democratic process. 2.  The struggle for power between the two factions of the All Progressive Grand Alliance(APGA) and the […]

1.  The ward and Local Government Congress of the Peoples Democratic Party that was characterized by confusion, violence, ballot box snatching, writing of fake results, lack of voting materials and general lack of faith in the democratic process.

2.  The struggle for power between the two factions of the All Progressive Grand Alliance(APGA) and the multiple litigations on the leadership crisis pending in different courts of law.

3.  The pending suit filed by Andy Uba seeking the Court to declare that there is no vacancy in Government House Anambra State on the expiration of the mandate of the incumbent Governor.

4.  The general atmosphere of insecurity in the South East of Nigeria accentuated by desperate kidnappings

Human Rights Monitor appeals to the various Political Parties jostling for positions in the coming elections to conduct their affairs with civility, decorum and the interest and stability of the State. The level of desperation that is evident in the pre election activities of the parties especially the emergence of over 47 aspirants on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party portends danger to the democratic process taking into consideration the fact that only one candidate will fly the banner of each political party.

The level of violence perpetrated by criminal gangs in Anambra State during the PDP Congresses on a purely party affair is very troubling. It is a very ominous sign of things to come with the election slated for the 6th day of February 2010 and the bulk of the elections scheduled to hold in 2011.

The Political Parties in Anambra State must realize that electoral officials and materials cannot be deployed if criminal elements hired by political parties and candidates hold the state hostage and criminally prevent the free expression of the people to vote for candidates of their choice.

We urge all the political parties that have internal disagreements to close ranks and resolve their issues amicably as parties are supposed to be a conglomeration of persons of like minds who share a common principle, vision and ideology. Differences in political parties should not be allowed to threaten the peace and stability of the State.

We also urge the various levels of Courts handling various cases filed by individuals and parties relating to internal disputes in the parties or relating to the legality of the previous elections to accelerate the hearing of such matters so that by December 2009, all disputes would have been resolved and the electoral management body can conduct the said elections without pending court cases.   

Human Rights Monitor will in November 2009 in collaboration with other civil society groups and organisations begin the training of domestic election observers that will observe the 6th February 2009 elections.

Barrister Festus Okoye, Executive Director, Human Rights Monitor